CARE home residents were treated to a special meet-and-greet from a trio of friendly farm animals.

Donkeys, sheep, and even a goat entertained the residents at Verwood House Care Home.

Noel the donkey, Charlie the sheep, and Ant the goat, came from Ems Friendly Farm in Southampton and entertained the residents with their tricks.

The four-legged friends were on their best behaviour when they strutted their stuff at the care home in Ringwood Road.

Resident Margaret Pearson, aged 89, said: "The animals were so friendly and very well-behaved.

"It was wonderful to have them visit – it's not every day you see animals coming inside your home.

"It was also lovely to talk gently to them and stroke them."

Verwood House's wellbeing and lifestyle coach Emilia Turner said: "We really didn't know what to expect and when we were told they would be well-behaved enough to come inside, I was quite surprised.

"But they really were on their very best behaviour. The residents loved the animals, and Noel and Charlie were so soft, it was lovely stroking them."

Research shows playing with animals can help reduce boredom, tension, and anxiety, and instead encourage interaction and socialisation.